Ortiz gets some work in; Victorino out again

FORT MYERS, Fla. — Lots going on as the Red Sox prepare to wrap up camp on Saturday. Let's catch you up:

• David Ortiz is not in the lineup for this afternoon's game against the Orioles. He will spend extra time in the cage with hitting coaches Greg Colbrunn and Victor Rodriguez. Ortiz is 2 for 35 this spring with 12 strikeouts.

Manager John Farrell says he's not worried, pointing out that Ortiz didn't play in spring training at all last season before going 4 for 18 in six games with Triple A Pawtucket. Ortiz then hit .500/.513/.917 in April with 15 RBIs in nine games.

"Not concerned at all," Farrell said.

• Shane Victorino (left side) would be playing if today were a regular season game, Farrell said. But the Sox are being careful.

"He was cleared to play today. But I felt like where we are in camp, another day, just precautionary, is where we're at," Farrell said.

Victorino is expected to play on Thursday, but that could be in a minor league game so the Red Sox could retain the ability to backdate a stay on the disabled list.

Victorino has played in only eight games his spring because of injuries. But Farrell is pushing on with him.

"He's going to be our right fielder on Opening Day, I can tell you that," he said.

• Lefthander Rich Hill was released by the Red Sox then re-signed to a minor league contract and assigned to Triple A Pawtucket. The Milton native reported to camp on March 6 following the death of his infant son but has pitched well.

• Daniel Nava will play center field for Triple A Pawtucket today at the Minnesota complex. The Sox are preparing him in the event he needs to play that position.

• The Sox will make the majority of their cuts on Thursday. But Farrell said the decision between Jackie Bradley Jr. and Grady Sizemore will go into Friday.

Farrell said that in his opinion, Bradley is one of the best defensive outfielders in the game in terms of getting a jump on the ball.

• Outfielder Corey Brown did not opt out of his contract and will play for Triple A Pawtucket.

• Alumni news: John McDonald made the Angels as a backup infielder. ... Righthanded reliever Scott Atchison made the Indians. ... Daisuke Matsuzaka is one of three pitchers the Mets are considering as their No. 5 starter. ... Ryan Kalish is in the mix to make the Cubs as a backup outfielder. He has had a good camp after missing much of the last two seasons with injuries.